FantasyPros is taking a look at NFL Draft scouting reports before the NFL Draft. Here’s a look at Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kaleb Johnson

Kaleb Johnson (RB – Iowa)

6-foot-0 | 225 Pounds

Background

Kaleb Johnson was a three-star recruit who got a plurality of the team’s carries in 2022, splitting time primarily with Leshon Williams and totaling 151-779-6 (5.2) on the year. The split went the other way in 2023, with Williams leading the team in carries and Johnson posting 117-463-3 (4.0). This past season, Johnson had a rushing line of 240-1,537-21 (6.4) and added a 22-188-2 (8.5) receiving line in a breakout campaign while Williams battled through injury and was limited to three appearances on the year.

Positives

Massive back who significantly improved this past season, showing he’s capable of carrying the load in a highly consistent, productive junior campaign. Coming from a zone-heavy offense, plays with decisiveness and shows good burst in the hole on inside zone concepts, running behind his pads when the blocking is there. Has quick feet in the backfield to shuffle into rushing lanes. Shows patience when letting stretch plays/outside zone attempts develop.

Johnson is an explosive athlete for a big back, with the long speed to hit home runs when he gets a lane. Lowers his shoulder to meet defenders in the hole and wears them down over the game. Can be punishing at the second level once he gets a head of steam going. Contact balance is very impressive, with good coordination allowing him to survive glancing blows and arm tackles. Seems to pretty consistently fall forward at the end of his rushes. Carried the ball 240 times this year without fumbling, and has just four career fumbles on over 500 career carries. Receiving role expanded this year as the feature back, and could eventually be dangerous in the screen game. Has the size to develop into a blocker.

Negatives

Johnson runs a little bit upright. He makes an effort to get his shoulder down, but would like to see more consistent knee-bend to improve his leverage and protect his lower body. Some tendency to extend/bounce runs outside. Can be tackled a bit easier than you’d like before he gets a head of steam going. Would like to see more consistent leg drive to finish his runs, although he does deliver hits and flashes the ability to churn and push the pile.

Johnson might struggle to get onto the field on third downs early in his career. Was relatively little-used as a receiver, with just 29 career catches, all but seven of which came this past season. Also has very little experience in pass protection and is still refining his awareness in blitz pickup.

Summary

A big, well-rounded pure runner type who has a very appealing set of tools to work with. Combines size, decisiveness, physicality, quick feet, burst in the hole and long speed, which allowed him to dominate the Big Ten this past season in his first year as a starter.

Those traits should allow him to work himself into a running back rotation early in his career, likely as an early-down hammer, although he’ll need to continue developing as a receiver and blocker to become a true every-down back. Johnson could go as high as the second round, and it’s very difficult to imagine him falling past the third.

Projection: Round 2/Round 3

Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cam Skattebo

Devin Neal (Kansas)

A fast, agile back with good burst and excellent open-field running skills, Neal functioned as a workhorse for the Jayhawks but might be more of a change-of-pace back at the next level, as he may struggle to grind out tough yardage between the tackles as a pro.

Neal’s snaps were relatively balanced throughout his career (more gap until this past season, then a little bit more zone), but might be better suited to a zone-blocking scheme where he’s able to stretch defenses out and cut upfield when he sees daylight. Probably more of a mid-round option.

Projection: Round 5

Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Devin Neal

More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs

• Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
• DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
• Jordan James (Oregon)
• Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
• Brashard Smith (SMU)
• Damien Martinez (Miami)
• Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)
• Kalel Mullings (Michigan)
• LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse)
• Raheim Sanders (South Carolina)
• Phil Mafah (Clemson)
• Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
• Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
• TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)

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